LF7244 KELLET YG-1

The Kellett KD-1 (another designation Kellet YG-1) was an American gyroplane from the interwar period and the initial phase of World War II. The prototype flight took place in 1934. The drive - in the KD-1A version - was provided by a single motor Jacobs L-4 with 225hp. The length of the gyroplane was 8.79 m. The machine did not have permanent on-board armament. The KD-1 model was developed by the Kellet Autogiro Company as a bottom-up initiative of this company, which, moreover, was largely based on the experience gained from the operation of the Cierva C.30 gyroplane. After a series of internal tests, the machine entered production and shortly afterwards entered the civilian market at the turn of 1938/1939. It was also the first gyroplane in the USA that was used on a larger scale to transport mail. However, as early as 1935 the American armed forces became interested in the machine and obtained two copies for testing (designations: YG-1 and YG-1A). During World War II, seven more machines of this type were acquired - primarily for tests and experiments. It is worth adding that the machines purchased later were powered by engines with a greater power of 300 HP.